Now that you’ve invested in patio furniture, you’ll want to ensure that it will provide lasting enjoyment. Luckily, wicker patio furniture sets can be well maintained for years with only a few simple steps.

Wicker furniture has special needs not shared with other types of outdoor furniture. Neglecting your wicker furniture and not providing the proper care will cause the furniture to dry out and crack or warp. You can prevent these problems and ensure the long-lasting beauty of your wicker year after year by following these five simple tips:

Choose High Quality Wicker Furniture: Selecting high quality furniture at the very beginning is really the single most important element in ensuring you will have lasting outdoor furniture. High quality wicker pieces will have an aluminum frame and a very tightly woven weave that doesn’t allow the frame to show through.

Get Rid of Dirt and Grime: Eliminate dirt and grime before it can accumulate on your furniture. Simply wipe down your furniture from time to time with a damp cloth and soap. Avoid getting the wicker too wet as wet wicker has a tendency to stretch and warp. In addition, you should clean your wicker thoroughly at least annually year. You can also use a water hose for this purpose, unless the furniture is antique or painted and might get damaged from the powerful water pressure.

Prevent Dryness and Warping: Wicker patio furniture sets should be placed in a shady area. Direct sunlight will dry out natural wicker fibers and cause them to become brittle. Also, keep furniture covered and out of the rain. If your patio pieces should get wet, make sure no one sits on them until they are completely dry. Wet wicker can become permanently warped and irreparable.

Replenish Moisture: At the end of the season apply a protective coat of oil to your wicker furniture. This will help your furniture to replenish its moisture. Your furniture should be thoroughly dried before the oil is applied. Carefully rub boiled linseed oil into the fibers and wipe off the excess oil with paper towels. Afterward, the wicker should look shiny. If not, keep applying oil to the wicker until it will not absorb anymore. A note of caution, linseed oil is flammable so be careful when getting rid of the used paper towels. You should allow your furniture to dry for at least 24 hours before you use it again.

Store Your Furniture Properly During the Off-Season: As the weather begins to turn cooler you will need to move your wicker patio furniture inside to a secure, dry place. If your furniture can’t be stored indoors for the winter, buy high quality furniture covers to provide protection. Wicker patio furniture sets are prone to damage if left outside for long periods during inclement weather.

With proper care, wicker furniture can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for any patio. There is a huge selection of wicker styles and colors to choose from to complement any dcor. You can also choose between traditional and more contemporary styled pieces. By choosing the best pieces for your outdoor space and caring for them properly, you will have beautiful patio furniture for years of outdoor fun and entertainment.

There are a ton of resources available to help you get started and find just the right all weather wicker furniture. You can start your search at outdoor wicker patio furniture where you will discover tips and techniques to successfully create a unique outdoor space.